Cameroon’s Under-20 men’s volleyball team departed for Egypt yesterday afternoon with World Championship qualification firmly in their crosshairs, as the African Championships beckon this week.
The squad, led by national coach Robert Samou, wrapped up their preparations with a final training session at Douala’s Japoma Sports Complex on Tuesday. What followed was a tactical masterclass that doubled as the ultimate audition, with 16 hopefuls battling it out in an internal match to secure their place in the final 12-man squad.
Team captain Joseph Ganna led his teammates onto the Ethiopian Airways flight that departed Douala just after 4pm on Wednesday, bound for the land of the Pharaons. The delegation, headed by South-West regional volleyball league president Gildas Taïssa, carries not just the hopes of a nation but the pressure of securing one of those coveted World Championship berths for next year’s U21 tournament.
Setter Juan Mbira and his teammates cut composed figures as they bid farewell to Douala, presenting the image of a squad that’s done its homework and is ready to write its own chapter in Cameroonian volleyball history. The technical meeting kicks off proceedings today (Thursday), with competitive action following hot on its heels.
This isn’t just about continental bragging rights, though that African crown would certainly sit nicely. The real prize is that World Championship ticket.
The Young Lions have had their time on the training ground; now it’s time to let their volleyball do the talking. All that remains is to wish them well.
